What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” it can progress slowly, especially in the early stages.
Increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) is a major risk factor. But glaucoma does not always come with high pressure, and some people develop it even when their eye pressure is in the usual range.
Clear vision does not always mean healthy eyes.
Why is it called the silent vision thief?
Vision loss from some forms of glaucoma starts at the edges of your visual field and moves inward. Because the brain adapts to slow changes, you may not notice anything. By the time symptoms are obvious, substantial optic nerve damage may already have happened, and that damage is permanent.
This is why waiting for symptoms before getting an eye examination is not recommended.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Early glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms at all. Later signs can include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Patchy blind spots in your field of vision
- Trouble noticing objects at the edges, or navigating unfamiliar places
- Vision that becomes progressively worse
When it is an emergency
Sudden severe eye pain, a very red eye, sudden blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea or vomiting can signal an eye emergency. Get urgent medical attention.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some groups have a higher risk. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop it, only that professional assessment matters more.
Older adults
Risk generally increases with age, so regular comprehensive exams become more important.
Family history
Genetics can play a role. If a close relative has glaucoma, tell your eye-care professional.
High eye pressure
An important risk factor, but high pressure does not equal glaucoma, and normal pressure does not rule it out.
Past eye injury
Significant trauma can increase the risk of certain types of glaucoma. Mention it at your exam.
Steroid medicines
Long-term or repeated corticosteroid use can raise risk in some people. Follow your doctor’s advice.
Other eye or medical factors
Certain eye conditions and medical factors may also raise risk. An eye-care professional can assess yours.
Who should get tested, and how often?
There is no single schedule for everyone. Testing depends on your age, family history, eye health and risk factors. Discuss glaucoma testing with an eye-care professional if you:
- Are an older adult
- Have a close family member with glaucoma
- Have been told your eye pressure is high
- Have had an eye injury or use medicines that may raise risk
- Have been advised to have regular glaucoma monitoring
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all schedule, ask: “How often should I be checked for glaucoma based on my risk factors?”
Already due for an eye check?
Once you have your latest prescription, order accurate lenses and frames online from Nations Optics.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
No single test is enough. An eye-care professional may combine several:
Eye pressure (tonometry)
Measures the pressure inside the eye.
Optic nerve exam
Looks for damage or changes linked to glaucoma.
Visual field test
Maps your side vision and can reveal loss you have not noticed.
Gonioscopy
Examines the eye’s drainage angle to help identify the type of glaucoma.
OCT imaging
Detailed images of the optic nerve area and nerve fibre layer.
Comprehensive exam
A basic “read the chart” vision check is not the same as an eye-health exam.
Eye pressure test
Measures intraocular pressure only.
Glaucoma evaluation
Combines pressure, optic nerve, visual field, drainage angle and imaging.
Is glaucoma curable or preventable?
There is currently no way to reverse established optic nerve damage, but glaucoma can often be managed with prescription eye drops, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination. The goal is to protect the optic nerve and reduce further vision loss. Untreated or poorly controlled glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and, in advanced cases, blindness.
No one can guarantee prevention, but you can improve your odds of early detection:
- Get comprehensive eye exams as recommended
- Know your family eye-health history and share your medical history
- Follow prescribed glaucoma treatment carefully
- Protect your eyes from serious injury
- Get unusual vision changes checked promptly
Glasses correct refractive errors like short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, but they do not treat glaucoma. A changed glasses prescription does not automatically mean glaucoma, though any vision change is a good reason to get properly evaluated.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first warning signs of glaucoma?
Early glaucoma often has none. As it progresses, peripheral vision may gradually become affected.
Can glaucoma develop without symptoms?
Yes. This is common in the early stages, which is why screening matters for people with risk factors.
Does glaucoma always cause high eye pressure?
No. Some people develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure, and some have high pressure without glaucoma.
Can a routine eye exam detect glaucoma?
A comprehensive eye exam can identify signs of glaucoma. A simple vision check alone cannot.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Family history raises risk. If glaucoma runs in your family, tell your eye-care professional.
Can young people get glaucoma?
Yes. Risk generally rises with age, but some types occur in younger people.